Forty visually impaired athletes compete in Kabul’s blind futsal selection event, with ten players chosen for the city’s representative team.
BY MUHIBULLAH USMANI
Kabul: The inaugural blind futsal selection tournament in Kabul concluded successfully today, bringing together 40 athletes across four teams in a one-day event organized by the National Paralympic Federation in collaboration with the Kabul Provincial Directorate of Physical Education and Sports.
The competition featured visually impaired athletes from different districts of Kabul competing for selection into the city’s representative team. By the end of the day, ten athletes with the highest performance scores were chosen to join the official Kabul blind futsal squad.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Molavi Ahmadullah Wathiq, Director General of the National Olympic and Sports Administration, emphasized the importance of inclusivity in sports: “Disability is not deprivation. These tournaments are a testament to the resilience and talent of our athletes and a source of pride for Afghan sport.”
Hafiz Ahmad Jan Zadran, Deputy for Technical and Professional Affairs, added: “Events like these provide essential competitive experience for visually impaired athletes and help strengthen the development of Paralympic sports nationwide.”
The ceremony was attended by Dād Mohammad Painda Akhteri, Head of Olympic Affairs, Qari Hayatullah Rahmani, Sports Advisor, Mohammad Yousuf Iftikhar, President of the National Paralympic Federation, and the participating athletes. Awards and recognition were presented to the top performers for their achievements.
Blind futsal, or “Roshan Delan” as it is locally known, has been gaining momentum in Afghanistan as part of broader efforts to promote inclusive sports. Competitions like this not only identify top talent for city and national teams but also provide visually impaired athletes with opportunities for personal development, social engagement, and national representation. The National Paralympic Federation continues to advocate for broader access, improved training facilities, and sustained support for athletes with disabilities.